Canon XM2 Reviews: Canon MiniDV storage Standard Definition camcorder

Product Features

Resolution Quality	Standard Definition
Optical Zoom Ratio	20
The amount by which the camera optics (lens) can bring the subject closer.
Media Format	MiniDV
This is the type of storage that your digital camera or camcorder uses to save images to. The main types of card media format: Compact Flash Micro SD MMC (Multi Media Card) SD Card (Secure Digital) SDHC (Secure Disk High Capacity)
Digital Zoom Ratio	100
Not to be confused with optical zoom, digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image thus simulating optical zoom. In doing so, some image quality is lost.
Image Stabilisation	Yes
If a photo is taken at a slow shutter speed, or at a long focal length, the effects of ‘hand shake’ will be amplified. Some cameras come with built-in image stabilisation which is designed to act against this to produce sharper images. It’s great for low light shots without a tripod, like at a gig.
resolution (Megapixel)	1.7
Resolution (Pixels)	1488x1128
A camera sensor, that captures the photograph, is measured in pixels. The number given here is the horizontal amount of pixels followed by the vertical quantity of pixels. The more pixels a camera sensor has, the bigger and higher quality the image will be.
Manual Focus	Yes
Almost all modern cameras have autofocus. Manual focus allows you to override the autofocus and set the distance yourself. This is especially useful if your camera is struggling to focus in a low-light or confusing scene.
Dimensions (mm)	118x136x306
The size of the device in millimetres, in width x height x depth.
Filter Diameter (mm) Lens 1	58
If you want to protect your camera or camcorder lens from getting scratched you will need a filter. A filter screws on to the front of the lens. The filter diameter is the distance across the lens.
Weight (g)	1120
The weight of the product in grams.
Docking Station	No
A docking station, also known as a cradle, is used to rest your equipment whilst it charges and also allows transfer of data to a computer.
Monitor Resolution (pixels)	200000
Screen Size in Inches	2.5
Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner.
16:9 Recording Format	No
HDMI Interface	0
Like a scart interface but capable of carrying HD signals from or to other devices. You’ll need these to link your Playstation 3 or your Blu-ray player to your HD-ready TV.
USB Port	Yes
Socket for connecting devices such as a computers and other components
Waterproof	No
If your camcorder is waterproof you will be able to film under water which is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Digital Still Photography	Yes
A Digital Still Photography function on a camcorder allows you to use the camcorder as if it was a digital camera. Camcorders with photo function often save to a separate memory card such as an SD Card.
Night Recording	No
Night Recording is a special mode that allows you to record in low light situations.

Also known as: XM2, Digital, MiniDV

A high-quality, versatile model suitable for serious camcorder enthusiasts and professional videographers. Its advanced technology delivers unrivalled image quality in its class.The XM2 offers all the features of the market-leading XM1 plus some enhancements, including a new picture adjustment feature and manual control for picture adjustments.

• ¼” 470K pixel 3CCD with pixel shift
• Canon Professional L-Series Fluorite Lens
• 20x optical zoom/100x digital zoom F1.6
• Optical image stabiliser with VAP
• Direction accurate stereo microphone
• Two-channel audio level manual control
• 2.5” 200K colour LCD/0.44’ 180K colour VF
• Three shooting modes: normal, photo, frame movie

The XM2’s advanced technology delivers unrivalled image quality in its class

The XM2 improves on the market leading and successful XM1 in a number of key areas. It comprises of a brand new 1/4" 470,000-pixel 3CCD increasing image quality. Not forgetting a new manual control in picture adjustments and shooting adjustments even for professional users.

Technology
The XM2 includes a new high-sensitivity ¼” 470,000-pixel 3CCD for superb 540-line horizontal resolution and super low light performance. A new generation camera signalling processing LSI improves approximately 3dB in S/N ratio from the XM1. The result is an improvement in colour, low light performance, resolution and dynamic range.

Pixel shift
The XM2 is equipped with a pixel shift system that boosts both resolution and sensitivity and allows users to achieve superb picture quality results.

Picture adjustments
The following picture adjustments have been greatly improved in the XM2.
· Colour gain adjustments, colour phase adjustments, sharpness adjustment and black level can be adjusted to desired value and up to 1 type of preset registration is possible.
· Custom preset – after picture adjustments, settings can be stored as a custom
· Slow shutter speed – XM2 can be set to slow shutter speeds to 1/6 of a second
· Gain control – gain can now be increased up to a maximum of 18dB
· Frame movie mode – frame mode can make progressive shooting at 25 fps. Footage with 1/50 slower shutter is very similar to fine cinema.
· 16.9 guides – allows accurate 16.9 framing when shooting so that image can be cropped.

Improved sound
The XM2 supports a direction-accurate stereo microphone that includes two non-directional microphones to give more precise stereo reproduction. Users can choose three types of frequency characteristics for the built-in microphone: normal, voice and wide-screen mode.

Additionally, a 2-channel manual audio level control where input level can be adjusted by a special dial and L/R level can be set for 2 channels. Audio-level meter with right-and-left independent 24-segment peak holder and the audio-level meter can be displayed in LCD and EVF.

An optional MA -300 microphone adapter allows the simultaneous recording of 2 independent channels from microphones with XLR connections. A BNC picture Out Terminal is also present.

PC connectivity
The XM2 is equipped with a DV terminal for non-linear editing. By using a USB terminal, transmission of still images from a JPEG file to a PC is easy.

• More info at Canon's website
• User manual